đ¨ Mac McClungâs Bulls Stint Lasted Just Three Hours â Hereâs What Really Happened
Mac McClung wore the Chicago Bulls jersey for a grand total of⌠three hours. Signed and released on the same day, the former Slam Dunk Contest champion never had any real intention of joining Billy Donovanâs rotation. The move stunned fans, leaving many scratching their heads, but the story behind it is less scandalous than it seems â and far more strategic.
An Administrative Move, Not a Basketball Decision
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, what unfolded in Chicago is a common preseason tactic in the NBA. By signing and then waiving a player, a franchise can secure his G League rights, allowing the affiliated team to recruit him afterward. These contracts arenât just procedural; they also come with financial perks. A player can earn up to $85,000 if he remains at least 60 days with the clubâs G League affiliate â a tidy bonus for a brief NBA cameo.
In McClungâs case, the Bulls were playing the long game. The strategy was less about having him on the NBA court and more about keeping him within the organizationâs ecosystem. Chicago wants to attract McClung to the Windy City Bulls, the teamâs G League affiliate based in Illinois. But first, the franchise must acquire his G League rights, currently held by the Osceola Magic.
Roster Realities Keep Him Off the Main Stage
Chicagoâs main roster is already full, with 15 guaranteed contracts and three two-way deals in place. There was simply no space for McClung in the NBA rotation. The move was always designed to allow the Bulls to monitor his development closely, giving him an opportunity to grow in a structured environment without committing a spot on the main roster.
Itâs a savvy, behind-the-scenes maneuver â but it leaves fans wondering: when will McClung get his next shot on the NBA stage?
A Dunk King Still Hunting for His Chance
At 26, McClung remains a fan favorite thanks to his three Slam Dunk Contest victories. Yet despite his viral highlights and electrifying athleticism, establishing a foothold in the NBA has proved elusive. Since 2021, he has appeared in just six NBA games across four different teams â a striking contrast to the attention he commands on social media and highlight reels.
McClung has thrived in the G League, however. Last season with the Osceola Magic, he averaged 23.0 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds over 44 games, performances that earned him the leagueâs MVP award. Those numbers underscore his talent and hint at his potential should he get another NBA opportunity.
What Comes Next?
If everything goes according to plan, Bulls fans may soon witness McClung lighting up the court in the G League, showcasing his skills once more and keeping the dream of an NBA return alive. In the meantime, his fleeting Bulls tenure serves as a reminder that in professional basketball, not everything is as it seems â and sometimes, a three-hour stint can be part of a bigger strategy.
Mac McClungâs story is far from over. For those paying attention, the Windy City Bulls could be the stage where his next highlight reel begins â and who knows? A permanent NBA spot might not be as far off as it seems.
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